Together # 35
A Together that Heals
A Together that Heals
Restore One Another in the Faith
copyright by Dick Wulf, 2018
When doubts come, help one another regain trust in God and return to a life of faith
2 Cor 2:5-11; Gal 6:1-2; 2 Thess 3:6, 14-15; Heb 3:12
Christians need to be ready to restore one another’s faith. Sometimes weakening faith comes from our own rebellious or naive choices. But most of the time faith declines temporarily in reaction to God’s process to increase our faith.
Remember grade school to understand these two causes of threatened faith. There were times when beginning math skills were hard because we wanted to play instead of practice. And there were times when we were trying to learn the next thing and could not understand. The first dip in mathematical performance was of our own doing, the second just part of the growth process. In either case, the teacher had to come and get us back on track.
Just like that teacher, when anything threatens another's faith, Christians are to reach out to restore that individual’s faith before it is seriously damaged.
Remember grade school to understand these two causes of threatened faith. There were times when beginning math skills were hard because we wanted to play instead of practice. And there were times when we were trying to learn the next thing and could not understand. The first dip in mathematical performance was of our own doing, the second just part of the growth process. In either case, the teacher had to come and get us back on track.
Just like that teacher, when anything threatens another's faith, Christians are to reach out to restore that individual’s faith before it is seriously damaged.
Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
Phil 3:16
Phil 3:16
Faith grows normally by being challenged. God either allows or brings issues into our lives to take our faith beyond its present limits. Situations demanding more faith stretches faith and it grows. Because life takes us to the edge of our faith and then a little beyond, every Christian fails in his or her faith from time to time. This is not dangerous as long as we continually restore one another in faith.
See to it, brothers and sisters,
that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart
that turns away from the living God.
Heb 3:12
that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart
that turns away from the living God.
Heb 3:12
Let’s recognize that faith is far more than Bible knowledge, much more than what we say we believe. Faith is living God’s truth, not just knowing it. Therefore, faith should never stop growing. We are to restore one another’s faith both when it has been weakened by our wrong choices and when the requirement of greater faith has discouraged us and shaken our steadfast walk with God.
Behavior validates belief. Faith without matching faithfulness is not true faith. So, think of weakening faith as thinking and behaviors that contradict what we have believed and acted on up to this point, faithful behavior diminishing from what it has been in our lives previously. A regression in faithfulness signals a weakening faith.
When Faith Deteriorates Because of Our Own Actions and/or the Work of the Devil
Like when in grade school we wanted to play rather than do our homework and our education stalled or went backward, so every Christian’s faith sputters or regresses once in a while. As the battle between our old self and new self in Jesus goes on, there are times when all of us dismisses some aspect of our faith to do something we want to do which God’s truth would stand in the way.
Singles may want to reinterpret the Bible to allow for sexual intimacy beyond the bounds of deeper faith. Christians may bend what they always believed about fiscal responsibility to purchase something very expensive that limits their ability to give money to the Lord. Those who want to avoid doing something difficult and clearly biblical may look for another way to interpret Scripture.
These examples should highlight the difficulty for the organized church to intervene in a timely fashion. However, God’s smaller configurations of the church are well-positioned to restore Christians in the faith before things get way out of hand. Christian friends may see the loosening of self-control and a waning loyalty to Scripture in the single who wants to go too far in love-making. A Christian spouse, children in a Christian family, or godly friends will be in a position to speak up and halt an overindulgent purchase. And those in a person’s Christian Inner Circle will see a lessening of allegiance to some scripture that prompts a person to do some biblical responsibility. This is where most of the action of restoring Christians in the faith must happen: within Christian friendships, Christian families, and Christian marriages.
Self-serving indulgences that tear down faith require one or more Christians to act to restore faithfulness to its previous level. It may take a long time, but it must be done. If it can be caught early enough by those in closest relationship, serious disobedience can be prevented and the person’s faith will suffer much less. And, if a person has denied faith for some time to be able to do whatever he or she wants, restoration of faith may take patient intervention.
The closer a relationship, the stronger this process of restoring faith will be. Restoration may call for confrontation and test loyalty within the relationship. The closer the relationship, the more power available to restore a person to a level of previous faith. There is greater desire to not let down a good friend or a loving spouse or adoring children. Just a “Please don’t do that!” may be all it takes.
If that does not work or if the relationship is not that cherished, then other measures will need to be employed. Going through the list of Togethers will likely point to what might be done. One that will almost always be applicable is “Examine One Another’s Faith”, especially by asking a lot of questions with a curious rather than condescending or corrective attitude and tone of voice.
When Faith Deteriorates Because God is Stretching Our Faith
Most of the time our faith will falter because it needs to become stronger and we begin resisting. We will be in trouble because something has come up that requires more faith than we yet have obtained. In this case, it is not that our faith should have been stronger, but that it is being pushed to become stronger. When the latter happens, our faith might take a dip because we begin to distrust the faith we had. We may find ourselves saying, “I don’t have the faith to do that.” But, if we recognize that challenges to the level of our faith come because faith is never strong enough for all that life throws at us, our present faith does not need to be questioned or discouraging. Then, knowing that we don’t have enough faith, we trust that God will give us the faith and leap into action.
We should avoid wanting the Christian life to go smoothly, for with an easy, comfortable life faith does not grow. We often feel frustration at difficulties, but we can quickly recognize the opportunity for faith to grow. Larger faith attained in this life will result in greater benefits in heaven. The greater faith and its result of faithfulness grow the more we become like Jesus and reflect God whose faith and faithfulness is perfect, pure, and always at full strength. And, we will enter heaven with more spiritual qualities and skills to serve and enjoy God and His kingdom.
We don’t need to question our faith when life has not delivered what we have needed or asked for. Faith that doesn’t give us what we want should not be discarded or downgraded. Faith is not a bargaining chip with God. Faith is in God and His love for us. If we think that faith functions to get anything we want, we are wrong if God does not want it for us. Instead, we need to ask God for a higher level of faith in Him, one that can handle what has been thrown at us, either by the devil or, more frequently, by God Himself.
For example, we may be close to the Lord, studying our Bibles, and not committing any grievous sin, yet our car breaks down. Just when we relaxed because we were able to put aside extra money and are feeling less vulnerable financially, a car repair is going to wipe out the emergency fund. If it had taken a small portion of the extra money, we might feel great that our financial responsibility worked. But, if it is wiped out completely, leaving us again with no extra money in case another urgent need arises, then some of us will question whether it works to trust God.
Others in our Christian Inner Circle, unburdened by a lack of financial security as are we, will immediately recognize that the emergency fund did just what it was supposed to do – take care of an emergency. Other Christians might need to help us see that God has not desired a firm financial footing for us as He has for others, that He has called us to a different life that serves Him in a different way. By doing so, these other Christians will restore our faith and our trust in God. Perhaps they will have to help us see that living right where God wants us and needs us to be is far superior to being out-of-place with financial security.
Perhaps one of us has finally surrendered to God’s will for treating his or her spouse with love that is more gentle and loving. As a result of increased safety in the relationship, the spouse unloads resentment built up over the years. That person’s faith in living God’s way may falter because treating the spouse better has not produced a more comfortable relationship. Faith in the instruction of the Bible may diminish. Yet, a close friend can restore faith by pointing out that pent-up feelings have to come out for healing. It can be pointed out that nothing is actually going wrong and God is in control. The friend will call for an increased faith in God so that His ways, mysterious as they can often be, can be trusted. When the previously offending spouse settles down because of increased faith and trust in God, the hurt and anger finally being expressed by the spouse will diminish, sometimes slowly, sometimes miraculously fast.
We need to watch and see when another’s faith (belief and trust in God) and faithfulness (belief and trust in action) is shrinking and quickly take action to shore up their failing faith. And, if necessary, we need to bring other Christians into this restoration process. We all need those in our Christian Inner Circles to be at the top of their game. We need faith to be strong in all of us to serve God the way He deserves and to minister to one another.
Opportunity to Become More and More Like Jesus Christ
Behavior validates belief. Faith without matching faithfulness is not true faith. So, think of weakening faith as thinking and behaviors that contradict what we have believed and acted on up to this point, faithful behavior diminishing from what it has been in our lives previously. A regression in faithfulness signals a weakening faith.
When Faith Deteriorates Because of Our Own Actions and/or the Work of the Devil
Like when in grade school we wanted to play rather than do our homework and our education stalled or went backward, so every Christian’s faith sputters or regresses once in a while. As the battle between our old self and new self in Jesus goes on, there are times when all of us dismisses some aspect of our faith to do something we want to do which God’s truth would stand in the way.
Singles may want to reinterpret the Bible to allow for sexual intimacy beyond the bounds of deeper faith. Christians may bend what they always believed about fiscal responsibility to purchase something very expensive that limits their ability to give money to the Lord. Those who want to avoid doing something difficult and clearly biblical may look for another way to interpret Scripture.
These examples should highlight the difficulty for the organized church to intervene in a timely fashion. However, God’s smaller configurations of the church are well-positioned to restore Christians in the faith before things get way out of hand. Christian friends may see the loosening of self-control and a waning loyalty to Scripture in the single who wants to go too far in love-making. A Christian spouse, children in a Christian family, or godly friends will be in a position to speak up and halt an overindulgent purchase. And those in a person’s Christian Inner Circle will see a lessening of allegiance to some scripture that prompts a person to do some biblical responsibility. This is where most of the action of restoring Christians in the faith must happen: within Christian friendships, Christian families, and Christian marriages.
Self-serving indulgences that tear down faith require one or more Christians to act to restore faithfulness to its previous level. It may take a long time, but it must be done. If it can be caught early enough by those in closest relationship, serious disobedience can be prevented and the person’s faith will suffer much less. And, if a person has denied faith for some time to be able to do whatever he or she wants, restoration of faith may take patient intervention.
The closer a relationship, the stronger this process of restoring faith will be. Restoration may call for confrontation and test loyalty within the relationship. The closer the relationship, the more power available to restore a person to a level of previous faith. There is greater desire to not let down a good friend or a loving spouse or adoring children. Just a “Please don’t do that!” may be all it takes.
If that does not work or if the relationship is not that cherished, then other measures will need to be employed. Going through the list of Togethers will likely point to what might be done. One that will almost always be applicable is “Examine One Another’s Faith”, especially by asking a lot of questions with a curious rather than condescending or corrective attitude and tone of voice.
When Faith Deteriorates Because God is Stretching Our Faith
Most of the time our faith will falter because it needs to become stronger and we begin resisting. We will be in trouble because something has come up that requires more faith than we yet have obtained. In this case, it is not that our faith should have been stronger, but that it is being pushed to become stronger. When the latter happens, our faith might take a dip because we begin to distrust the faith we had. We may find ourselves saying, “I don’t have the faith to do that.” But, if we recognize that challenges to the level of our faith come because faith is never strong enough for all that life throws at us, our present faith does not need to be questioned or discouraging. Then, knowing that we don’t have enough faith, we trust that God will give us the faith and leap into action.
We should avoid wanting the Christian life to go smoothly, for with an easy, comfortable life faith does not grow. We often feel frustration at difficulties, but we can quickly recognize the opportunity for faith to grow. Larger faith attained in this life will result in greater benefits in heaven. The greater faith and its result of faithfulness grow the more we become like Jesus and reflect God whose faith and faithfulness is perfect, pure, and always at full strength. And, we will enter heaven with more spiritual qualities and skills to serve and enjoy God and His kingdom.
We don’t need to question our faith when life has not delivered what we have needed or asked for. Faith that doesn’t give us what we want should not be discarded or downgraded. Faith is not a bargaining chip with God. Faith is in God and His love for us. If we think that faith functions to get anything we want, we are wrong if God does not want it for us. Instead, we need to ask God for a higher level of faith in Him, one that can handle what has been thrown at us, either by the devil or, more frequently, by God Himself.
For example, we may be close to the Lord, studying our Bibles, and not committing any grievous sin, yet our car breaks down. Just when we relaxed because we were able to put aside extra money and are feeling less vulnerable financially, a car repair is going to wipe out the emergency fund. If it had taken a small portion of the extra money, we might feel great that our financial responsibility worked. But, if it is wiped out completely, leaving us again with no extra money in case another urgent need arises, then some of us will question whether it works to trust God.
Others in our Christian Inner Circle, unburdened by a lack of financial security as are we, will immediately recognize that the emergency fund did just what it was supposed to do – take care of an emergency. Other Christians might need to help us see that God has not desired a firm financial footing for us as He has for others, that He has called us to a different life that serves Him in a different way. By doing so, these other Christians will restore our faith and our trust in God. Perhaps they will have to help us see that living right where God wants us and needs us to be is far superior to being out-of-place with financial security.
Perhaps one of us has finally surrendered to God’s will for treating his or her spouse with love that is more gentle and loving. As a result of increased safety in the relationship, the spouse unloads resentment built up over the years. That person’s faith in living God’s way may falter because treating the spouse better has not produced a more comfortable relationship. Faith in the instruction of the Bible may diminish. Yet, a close friend can restore faith by pointing out that pent-up feelings have to come out for healing. It can be pointed out that nothing is actually going wrong and God is in control. The friend will call for an increased faith in God so that His ways, mysterious as they can often be, can be trusted. When the previously offending spouse settles down because of increased faith and trust in God, the hurt and anger finally being expressed by the spouse will diminish, sometimes slowly, sometimes miraculously fast.
We need to watch and see when another’s faith (belief and trust in God) and faithfulness (belief and trust in action) is shrinking and quickly take action to shore up their failing faith. And, if necessary, we need to bring other Christians into this restoration process. We all need those in our Christian Inner Circles to be at the top of their game. We need faith to be strong in all of us to serve God the way He deserves and to minister to one another.
Opportunity to Become More and More Like Jesus Christ
Grayson heard a sermon that led him to believe that God would give him financial riches. He hastily emptied his bank savings and went into business for himself. He strongly believed that God would bless him with success and money. When it did not happen and Grayson’s business failed, Grayson decided that God’s promises were not to be trusted.
At a family gathering, Grayson’s aunt wondered why Grayson’s optimism was lacking. She learned about the business failure and noticed bitterness toward God for not giving success and wealth. Grayson mentioned his pastor’s sermon that taught Philippians 4:13 from the King James Bible, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Grayson’s aunt then pointed out that the teaching did not mean that anything could be done, but that we can find contentment no matter what we face. She opened her Bible and showed Grayson that in Paul’s case, it had to do with having money or not having money. It was not a “name it and claim it” promise. This helped Grayson to realize that God had not let him down, and that he did not have an assignment from God to start the business he did. Grayson began to let God direct him, adopting a purpose to live for God and earn money in whatever way God provided for him. Grayson’s faith was not only restored by his aunt, it grew. |
Sometimes it is three steps forward and two steps back in our Christian faith. That is why we are to restore one another in the faith. We must help one another recover the lost step so that we can keep growing in our faith. This is what Jesus did with Peter.
Jesus’ arrest gave Peter something that required more faith than he possessed. Just before, Peter had proclaimed that he would never deny Jesus. But, Peter soon found that his faith was not strong enough and he denied knowing Jesus three times. He became distraught and most likely felt like his faith was not worth much. But, it just needed to be strengthened. And, note what Jesus did. He did not judge Peter. He was not angry with Peter. He just gave Peter an opportunity to reassert his faith.
But, let’s back up just a few moments before the arrest and Peter’s boast of loyalty for which he did not have adequate faith. Jesus knew that the biggest trial of faith was about to assault his disciples. So, to help restore their faith even before it faltered, Jesus made a promise.
Jesus’ arrest gave Peter something that required more faith than he possessed. Just before, Peter had proclaimed that he would never deny Jesus. But, Peter soon found that his faith was not strong enough and he denied knowing Jesus three times. He became distraught and most likely felt like his faith was not worth much. But, it just needed to be strengthened. And, note what Jesus did. He did not judge Peter. He was not angry with Peter. He just gave Peter an opportunity to reassert his faith.
But, let’s back up just a few moments before the arrest and Peter’s boast of loyalty for which he did not have adequate faith. Jesus knew that the biggest trial of faith was about to assault his disciples. So, to help restore their faith even before it faltered, Jesus made a promise.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled.
You believe in God, believe also in me.
My Father’s house has many rooms;
if that were not so, would I have told you
that I am going there to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come back and take you
to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
John 14:1-3
You believe in God, believe also in me.
My Father’s house has many rooms;
if that were not so, would I have told you
that I am going there to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come back and take you
to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
John 14:1-3
Then, Jesus restored Peter’s faith after the resurrection. We read in John 21 how Jesus gave Peter a chance to reaffirm his love for his Lord.
When we learn ways to restore others in their faith, we become more like Jesus. We can be like Jesus by helping those in our Christian Inner Circles face their difficulties and tragedies by looking forward to heaven when the pain and suffering will finally be over. This reassurance by Jesus in the upper room also shows us to reassure one another that Jesus is alive and will provide whatever is necessary to survive this present life until we arrive in that future paradise of heaven. No matter how tough a situation is, we can reassure others that Jesus is still active and has them in mind. That will often be enough to shore up faith, restoring it before it weakens.
We can also be like Jesus by offering those whose faith has faltered to walk in strong faith again. Like He did with Peter after the resurrection, when we ask a person to reaffirm a level of previous faith, we urge a restoration of their faith. Alone or with other Christians, we offer a way to get back on track. Sometimes we have to offer that chance to recover lost or weakened faith over and over until we restore the Christian in his or her faith.
Opportunity to Worship God
When we learn ways to restore others in their faith, we become more like Jesus. We can be like Jesus by helping those in our Christian Inner Circles face their difficulties and tragedies by looking forward to heaven when the pain and suffering will finally be over. This reassurance by Jesus in the upper room also shows us to reassure one another that Jesus is alive and will provide whatever is necessary to survive this present life until we arrive in that future paradise of heaven. No matter how tough a situation is, we can reassure others that Jesus is still active and has them in mind. That will often be enough to shore up faith, restoring it before it weakens.
We can also be like Jesus by offering those whose faith has faltered to walk in strong faith again. Like He did with Peter after the resurrection, when we ask a person to reaffirm a level of previous faith, we urge a restoration of their faith. Alone or with other Christians, we offer a way to get back on track. Sometimes we have to offer that chance to recover lost or weakened faith over and over until we restore the Christian in his or her faith.
Opportunity to Worship God
Ira and Hallie were overwhelmed when they discovered that their daughter dropped out of college because of drug addiction. They wondered why this had happened in their family when they had always gone to church and lived the way Christians are supposed to live. They wondered for the first time if God really cared for them. They began to lose interest in church attendance, Bible study and prayer. Their faith began to disappear.
Their closest friends, Mike and Judy, were saddened to hear about what was happening and reached out to Hallie and Ira in love. They noticed bitterness and saw the challenge to their friends’ faith. They were all too familiar with how faith is strong when life has few problems, and how often people are first taken aback in their faith when things go wrong. So, they insisted that Ira and Hallie sit down and talk about how this family crisis was affecting their faith. Mike and Judy helped their friends see that nothing was wrong with their prior faith, but that they needed more faith for a much more difficult journey of helping their daughter through the drug addiction. They pointed out all of the righteous people in the Bible whose children had wandered off the path of faith. They studied the parable of the prodigal son. They helped Ira and Hallie see that their daughter was responsible for her condition and not God, but that God could be trusted to guide them in the months and years to come. Mike and Judy were actually worshiping God by reaching out to restore their friends’ faith. God saw in this action of restoring faith His own constant strengthening of the faith of His people. As for Ira and Hallie, faith grew slowly. That faith opened the door to wisdom from God that rose above simple protection from evil to that of fighting it. This stronger faith led to greater unconditional love, ready forgiveness, and more serious prayer for their daughter. Sometimes such stronger faith leads to good results. In this case, Ira and Hallie’s daughter struggled with drug abuse off and on for years and years. Faith in God changed from protection from anything going wrong to strength to withstand evil and persevere in the faith. Anyone looking from the outside could see that this deeper faith brought many good things into their daughter’s life, just not freedom from drugs. But, the story is not over and there is still hope for healing. |
God has given us power in Christian friendships, families and marriages to restore one another in the faith. When we do so, we worship God by reflecting back to Him his faithful, restoring nature. He can make all things new and recycle all things for the good of his people. And He is always bringing us back to Himself.
The Old Testament is full of historical examples of God restoring his people Israel to faith over and over again. God did not give up on his people even though their faith all but disappeared at times. There are so many examples of Old Testament figures coming back to faith after God’s intervention that it is difficult to pick out just one.
God had a servant named Nathan restore King David in the faith. David had disregarded his loyalty to God and in unfaithfulness committed adultery and murder.
The Old Testament is full of historical examples of God restoring his people Israel to faith over and over again. God did not give up on his people even though their faith all but disappeared at times. There are so many examples of Old Testament figures coming back to faith after God’s intervention that it is difficult to pick out just one.
God had a servant named Nathan restore King David in the faith. David had disregarded his loyalty to God and in unfaithfulness committed adultery and murder.
The Lord sent Nathan to David. When he came to him, he said, “There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor. The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him.
“Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him.” David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, “As surely as the Lord lives, the man who did this must die! He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity.” Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. I gave your master’s house to you, and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you all Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’ “This is what the Lord says: ‘Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity on you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will sleep with your wives in broad daylight. You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.’” Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. |
2 Samuel 12:1-13
Our Lord, from time to time, may ask us to confront those who talk a good faith but live differently. It will not likely be to confront a Christian family member or friend of murder, but it still might be for something quite serious. On the other hand, if we see someone we are close to slipping in his or her faith and restore their faithfulness, we might prevent adultery or family violence, or some other affront to God’s holiness.
How about the time that Elijah had a showdown with the prophets of Baal, humiliated them by showing their god to be worthless, and had them slaughtered. What great faith Elijah showed. But, his faith all but disappeared when Jezebel immediately sought to kill him. God then restored Elijah’s faith.
How about the time that Elijah had a showdown with the prophets of Baal, humiliated them by showing their god to be worthless, and had them slaughtered. What great faith Elijah showed. But, his faith all but disappeared when Jezebel immediately sought to kill him. God then restored Elijah’s faith.
Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.
All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. |
1 Kings 19:3-6
We, also, like God Himself, may have the opportunity to worship God by restoring someone’s faith when their strong faith has placed them in danger of some kind. Let’s cherish these times to reflect back to God his own character that restores faith.
How Used in Battle to Defeat Evil and Satan
How Used in Battle to Defeat Evil and Satan
Sometime before he admitted his mistakes in his marriage, Joe came to his small group and expressed his doubt that there is a God who cares. Everyone in the group understood this tendency to doubt faith when things are going wrong. Little by little they helped restore Joe's faith by the gentle teaching of Scripture and clear admission that they too have pouted and thrown tantrums when God did not give them their way or work out the messes they had put themselves in. By restoring Joe in his faith, the group made the confession of sin possible that eventually led to reconciliation of Joe's marriage. Satan’s plan to destroy a marriage relationship was averted.
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Both Satan and God want difficulties in our lives. The devil wants those difficulties to destroy our faith. God wants them to build our faith. Into this conflict of purposes enters Christians to restore one another’s faith and defeat Satan.
It is the natural state of affairs this side of heaven that Satan will do all he can to keep us from growing in our faith. Every time we advance in our faith, we honor God more. Since the devil is all about dishonoring God, he will do his best to take us backward in our faith and spoil our devotion to God.
So, it is primarily for God that we restore one another in the faith when we falter. Every time someone goes backward in their faith, Satan is taking something from God. We don’t want to let that happen, and we stop it by restoring one another in the faith over and over again.
There are three beneficiaries when a Christian is restored to a previously higher level of faith. First, it is for God so that Satan does not dishonor Him. Second, it is for the Christian who has slipped in their walk of faith. Not only is it beneficial for them to continue to glorify God with the level of faith they had achieved beforehand, but it makes possible further growth in faith, better rewards in heaven, and a higher quality of life forever after death.
Third, restoring the faith of Christians is for the benefit of the church, and for each of us as members. Many of us will need something of faith from the one restored. If the one rescued is in our own Christian Inner Circle, then we will gain a great deal in the months and years to come.
I don’t play war-like video games. But, I hope that a player can rescue someone on his team before that person bites the dust. If those games have a player’s avatar only watching out for his own health and welfare, then those games are not realistic. In real war, an army has only so many people to fight and soldiers must take an interest in keeping one another healthy and skilled at battle.
It is the same with us. We cannot afford to not notice until it becomes obvious that someone’s faith has diminished. Sometimes, that is too late. Too often faith deteriorates unnoticeably and we live for God as a people with less vigor for a little while. The witness to others of saving faith and life with Christ is damaged. Much good is undone and corresponding evils triumph.
And, here is the urgent part of rescuing one another in the faith: it must be done where failing faith can be most easily spotted – in our closest, more frequent and transparent relationships. Yes, it is in our closest Christian friendships, our Christian families, and our Christian marriages where rescue can hold off disaster. Think of this as a friend or family member can get us off a pond’s dangerously thin ice before we fall in and drown. Larger Christian fellowships cannot do much to rescue effectively, even when failing faith is obvious.
How in the Sinful Environment this Together Prepares Us for Heaven
It is the natural state of affairs this side of heaven that Satan will do all he can to keep us from growing in our faith. Every time we advance in our faith, we honor God more. Since the devil is all about dishonoring God, he will do his best to take us backward in our faith and spoil our devotion to God.
So, it is primarily for God that we restore one another in the faith when we falter. Every time someone goes backward in their faith, Satan is taking something from God. We don’t want to let that happen, and we stop it by restoring one another in the faith over and over again.
There are three beneficiaries when a Christian is restored to a previously higher level of faith. First, it is for God so that Satan does not dishonor Him. Second, it is for the Christian who has slipped in their walk of faith. Not only is it beneficial for them to continue to glorify God with the level of faith they had achieved beforehand, but it makes possible further growth in faith, better rewards in heaven, and a higher quality of life forever after death.
Third, restoring the faith of Christians is for the benefit of the church, and for each of us as members. Many of us will need something of faith from the one restored. If the one rescued is in our own Christian Inner Circle, then we will gain a great deal in the months and years to come.
I don’t play war-like video games. But, I hope that a player can rescue someone on his team before that person bites the dust. If those games have a player’s avatar only watching out for his own health and welfare, then those games are not realistic. In real war, an army has only so many people to fight and soldiers must take an interest in keeping one another healthy and skilled at battle.
It is the same with us. We cannot afford to not notice until it becomes obvious that someone’s faith has diminished. Sometimes, that is too late. Too often faith deteriorates unnoticeably and we live for God as a people with less vigor for a little while. The witness to others of saving faith and life with Christ is damaged. Much good is undone and corresponding evils triumph.
And, here is the urgent part of rescuing one another in the faith: it must be done where failing faith can be most easily spotted – in our closest, more frequent and transparent relationships. Yes, it is in our closest Christian friendships, our Christian families, and our Christian marriages where rescue can hold off disaster. Think of this as a friend or family member can get us off a pond’s dangerously thin ice before we fall in and drown. Larger Christian fellowships cannot do much to rescue effectively, even when failing faith is obvious.
How in the Sinful Environment this Together Prepares Us for Heaven
Bobby enjoys running and when he enters middle school his family suggests that he go out for track. While Bobby has had faith in his quickness when playing games in the neighborhood, he begins to doubt faith that God has made him fast. This is a retrograde in his faith and confidence. While in heaven such a challenge would not bring up the fear of failure, here where sin exists, Bobby does look back and his faith wanes.
Enter his family. Mom, Dad and three siblings all know that God made Bobby fast. The new challenge facing Bobby does not diminish their belief in him or in God’s design of him. Therefore, they set about to restore Bobby’s faith in God and his design of Bobby’s running ability and in himself. They don’t really know that in the Bible God asks his people to restore one another in the faith, they just do it. Other families are not so supportive of family members and such help is not extended. In Christian families, this is shameful. |
Once I helped a married couple get over disagreement to have a child. Now whenever I see the child that came, I am thrilled to have been a small part. In the same way, each of us can feel that joy now when we see someone we and others have put back on the journey of solid faith. Just imagining what their life would have been like if they did not recover their faith opens the door to joy that it did not happen. And, those whose restored faith led to more service for God should make our hearts very glad.
Restoring others in their faith glorifies God, helps others grow in faith, and makes their faithful service to us available. In heaven we will not have to restore a person’s faith. Nothing there will challenge it. There will be no sin, so no bending the truth of Scripture to do what God does not want us to do. And, things requiring growth in faith will not be discouraging and lower our faith. And, yet, we will see those we restored in faith before their deaths living at higher levels. And, every time our heart will jump with joy.
And, in this, we will join the angels.
Restoring others in their faith glorifies God, helps others grow in faith, and makes their faithful service to us available. In heaven we will not have to restore a person’s faith. Nothing there will challenge it. There will be no sin, so no bending the truth of Scripture to do what God does not want us to do. And, things requiring growth in faith will not be discouraging and lower our faith. And, yet, we will see those we restored in faith before their deaths living at higher levels. And, every time our heart will jump with joy.
And, in this, we will join the angels.
I tell you that in the same way
there will be more rejoicing in heaven
over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine
righteous persons who do not need to repent.
Luke 15:7
there will be more rejoicing in heaven
over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine
righteous persons who do not need to repent.
Luke 15:7
But, if in this life before death we did not care enough about the crises of faith of others, in heaven we will miss some of the joy in the testimonies of others. We will miss rejoicing when we meet those we knew who overcame lack of faith because we did not care or notice. Even more sadly, we will miss out on some level of rejoicing for all the other citizens of heaven their testimonies tell of others helping restore their faith. We will not go to heaven with the capacity to care so deeply about the level of another’s faith.
Additionally, if we have been active in restoring broken faith in others, in heaven we will be more helpful in helping others grow in their faith. Assuming that it will not be sin to lack instant courage to participate in some new activity or do some difficult job for God in heaven, then we will be helping others to have faith in areas where we have more faith than they. We will not be restoring their faith, but because we helped others do so before death, we will be more aware that now in heaven there is nothing to hold them back.
If we restore one another in the faith now with the opposition of sin, we will end up valuing faith more than if we did not pay any attention. Faith is the doorway given by God to know the kingdom of heaven and meet Jesus, the Savior King. (For by faith we are saved, . . . Eph 2:8) This faith is the currency of the kingdom with which we gain the joys of heaven. This faith is too precious to let anyone lose, for with it we can gain more and more of the kingdom that Jesus likened to a perfect pearl (Matt 13:45-46) and a field full of hidden treasure (Matt 13:44).
But, most important is to recognize God’s joy when He sees faith restored in one of his children. We want to have some sense of this now when we and others work together to restore someone in the faith. This will prepare us to go to heaven with the ability to sense God’s joy at their higher level of faith.
How this Together Can Make It Really Good in Heaven
Additionally, if we have been active in restoring broken faith in others, in heaven we will be more helpful in helping others grow in their faith. Assuming that it will not be sin to lack instant courage to participate in some new activity or do some difficult job for God in heaven, then we will be helping others to have faith in areas where we have more faith than they. We will not be restoring their faith, but because we helped others do so before death, we will be more aware that now in heaven there is nothing to hold them back.
If we restore one another in the faith now with the opposition of sin, we will end up valuing faith more than if we did not pay any attention. Faith is the doorway given by God to know the kingdom of heaven and meet Jesus, the Savior King. (For by faith we are saved, . . . Eph 2:8) This faith is the currency of the kingdom with which we gain the joys of heaven. This faith is too precious to let anyone lose, for with it we can gain more and more of the kingdom that Jesus likened to a perfect pearl (Matt 13:45-46) and a field full of hidden treasure (Matt 13:44).
But, most important is to recognize God’s joy when He sees faith restored in one of his children. We want to have some sense of this now when we and others work together to restore someone in the faith. This will prepare us to go to heaven with the ability to sense God’s joy at their higher level of faith.
How this Together Can Make It Really Good in Heaven
I am in heaven and every day is a wonderful time of fellowship with other citizens from all walks of life, all nationalities and ethnic groups, across many centuries. We sit in circles around tables, stroll in beautiful meadows, sit by the clear river of life under the healing trees, at dining tables and listen to one another’s stories of faith. I particularly love to hear testimonies by those whose faith was tested and others came alongside to help keep their faith strong. Others in our conversation smile and nod, but I can tell that they don’t get as excited. I wish they did, but they just do not have the ability because mine is so much stronger, having been developed to overcome the sin of indifference back before death.
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I will admit it. I cry in movies every time things turn out good for someone who has been mistreated or disadvantaged. Why, I cry when Lassie finds her way home! And, I want to cry out of joy this way in heaven.
If you are a parent, think of the joy you feel when a child gets back on track after a bit of rebellion. How about the joy when a friend corrects his or her behavior and saves a marriage or a job? When you see that child or friend in heaven you will remember with thankfulness their victory back before heaven.
So, imagine being able to find joy in the victories of faith in the testimonies of the billions of other citizens of heaven. Now we hurt with our persecuted brothers and sisters in the faith around the world. How wonderful it will be to see them so happy in heaven in light of what they went through back before death. Those of us who restored faith in others and have seen what has to be overcome, the trials and pain and discouragement, will rejoice at the victories won by saints because other Christians cared about their faith and raised them back up when faith floundered.
In my work, I have counseled mentally ill people who were enslaved in human trafficking and escaped prostitution. I have been the therapist of convicts who turned their lives around. I have seen husbands and wives escape vicious behavior because of fear of closeness and being hurt again to finally experience safe love. It has always raised my spirits and my soul has rejoiced. While in heaven the pain will be gone, we will still be able to feel great joy at such triumphs when we hear of them around a campfire or banqueting table.
Faith delivers people from so much hurt and sin. When we hear of how faith rescued people from the snares of the devil, some of them horrendous, we will rejoice in heaven to the extent that we grew sensitive to the joy of victorious faith before death. Let’s care about one another’s faith now. Let’s rescue them when their faith waivers. Let’s allow them to help us when our faith falters. Let’s have the joy of restoring faith in others as well as having our own faith restored. Let’s go to heaven with joy in our own stories of faith and its triumphs as well as similar tales of others.
Opportunity for a Closer Relationship with God through Empathy
If you are a parent, think of the joy you feel when a child gets back on track after a bit of rebellion. How about the joy when a friend corrects his or her behavior and saves a marriage or a job? When you see that child or friend in heaven you will remember with thankfulness their victory back before heaven.
So, imagine being able to find joy in the victories of faith in the testimonies of the billions of other citizens of heaven. Now we hurt with our persecuted brothers and sisters in the faith around the world. How wonderful it will be to see them so happy in heaven in light of what they went through back before death. Those of us who restored faith in others and have seen what has to be overcome, the trials and pain and discouragement, will rejoice at the victories won by saints because other Christians cared about their faith and raised them back up when faith floundered.
In my work, I have counseled mentally ill people who were enslaved in human trafficking and escaped prostitution. I have been the therapist of convicts who turned their lives around. I have seen husbands and wives escape vicious behavior because of fear of closeness and being hurt again to finally experience safe love. It has always raised my spirits and my soul has rejoiced. While in heaven the pain will be gone, we will still be able to feel great joy at such triumphs when we hear of them around a campfire or banqueting table.
Faith delivers people from so much hurt and sin. When we hear of how faith rescued people from the snares of the devil, some of them horrendous, we will rejoice in heaven to the extent that we grew sensitive to the joy of victorious faith before death. Let’s care about one another’s faith now. Let’s rescue them when their faith waivers. Let’s allow them to help us when our faith falters. Let’s have the joy of restoring faith in others as well as having our own faith restored. Let’s go to heaven with joy in our own stories of faith and its triumphs as well as similar tales of others.
Opportunity for a Closer Relationship with God through Empathy
Back before death I occasionally heard God speaking to me. But now in heaven I hear Him even more clearly inside my thoughts. He speaks to me often because He has placed me in a leadership position to help others grow in their faith. Upon being assigned my reward as representing Him in teaching the greater faith of heaven, the Lord told me the reason for my assignment. It was my constant concern for those struggling to maintain their faith as well as my willingness to guard the faith of others when life got very difficult. Every day I hear His voice because I allowed the Holy Spirit to use me in restoring faith in others. My assignment means that God talks to me most often.
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God will appreciate those who brought people back to Him more than those who did not care so much that people’s faith was failing. He will count such Christians as loyal to Him and joyfully put them in positions of spiritual leadership. His presence will be more potent in their lives in some way.
We can understand this if we imagine how a parent feels if one of the children reaches out and brings home for the holidays another child of the family who has been estranged. The heartfelt thanks of the parent should mean a lot to the child who restored the sibling to the family.
When we restore someone’s faith, we bring that person back to the family of God. That person may have been estranged from the family of God almost totally, or estranged partially through a bad attitude toward God and/or the church. God will deeply appreciate anyone who restores that person’s faith and, by doing so, reconnects the person with God and the fellowship of believers.
Praise and Prayer Regarding this Together
O Lord, Giver of the Faith that saved me, thank You for restoring my faith so many times in the past. I appreciate how the Bible has restored my faith, and I am grateful for the times You have sent another Christian or two to raise my faith back up.
Help me to be more aware of the faith of others, especially those with whom I have a close relationship. Let me understand the depth of their faith and notice whenever it lessens. Then, find me willing to act to help restore another’s faith when needed. And, may I do it for Your good pleasure, so that those You have brought into Your kingdom honor You with their faith.
I and those in my Christian Inner Circle will need Your help to grow our spirits to boldly restore one another’s faith in gentle, but firm, loving ways. Help us to yield to the work of the Holy Spirit for all of us to give You more glory in the way we take responsibility for one another’s faith and help them restore their relationship with You.
Please help us all to become more like Jesus in restoring one another’s faith without judgment or condemnation. Help us to remember how Jesus did not react to the Peter when he denied knowing Jesus and the rooster crowed, just before His crucifixion. Keep us ever mindful of how Jesus merely restored Peter with the question, “Peter, do you love Me?”
May our lives worship You more by reflecting back to You your faithful, restoring nature. Empower us to give You the honor of bringing back other believers to their previous relationship with You.
Make us strong in Your power to defeat the devil who wants to diminish and destroy the faith of Christians. Help us to have our eyes wide open to see when someone’s faith has slipped. Help us to remember that Satan will want to pounce on that person like a hungry lion. Then, empower us to get involved as long as it takes to restore that believer’s faith and send the devil away overcome by the power of Christians acting together against him.
Help us all to prepare for heaven by restoring one another in the faith so that in eternity our joy will be great when we hear testimonies of faith being restored back in the life before death when sin tried its best to separate us from our faith and our faithful God.
We can understand this if we imagine how a parent feels if one of the children reaches out and brings home for the holidays another child of the family who has been estranged. The heartfelt thanks of the parent should mean a lot to the child who restored the sibling to the family.
When we restore someone’s faith, we bring that person back to the family of God. That person may have been estranged from the family of God almost totally, or estranged partially through a bad attitude toward God and/or the church. God will deeply appreciate anyone who restores that person’s faith and, by doing so, reconnects the person with God and the fellowship of believers.
Praise and Prayer Regarding this Together
O Lord, Giver of the Faith that saved me, thank You for restoring my faith so many times in the past. I appreciate how the Bible has restored my faith, and I am grateful for the times You have sent another Christian or two to raise my faith back up.
Help me to be more aware of the faith of others, especially those with whom I have a close relationship. Let me understand the depth of their faith and notice whenever it lessens. Then, find me willing to act to help restore another’s faith when needed. And, may I do it for Your good pleasure, so that those You have brought into Your kingdom honor You with their faith.
I and those in my Christian Inner Circle will need Your help to grow our spirits to boldly restore one another’s faith in gentle, but firm, loving ways. Help us to yield to the work of the Holy Spirit for all of us to give You more glory in the way we take responsibility for one another’s faith and help them restore their relationship with You.
Please help us all to become more like Jesus in restoring one another’s faith without judgment or condemnation. Help us to remember how Jesus did not react to the Peter when he denied knowing Jesus and the rooster crowed, just before His crucifixion. Keep us ever mindful of how Jesus merely restored Peter with the question, “Peter, do you love Me?”
May our lives worship You more by reflecting back to You your faithful, restoring nature. Empower us to give You the honor of bringing back other believers to their previous relationship with You.
Make us strong in Your power to defeat the devil who wants to diminish and destroy the faith of Christians. Help us to have our eyes wide open to see when someone’s faith has slipped. Help us to remember that Satan will want to pounce on that person like a hungry lion. Then, empower us to get involved as long as it takes to restore that believer’s faith and send the devil away overcome by the power of Christians acting together against him.
Help us all to prepare for heaven by restoring one another in the faith so that in eternity our joy will be great when we hear testimonies of faith being restored back in the life before death when sin tried its best to separate us from our faith and our faithful God.
Ever increasing practice of the Togethers of Scripture will (1) create in you the loving essence of Jesus, (2) give Jesus the kind of love He requested, (3) provide you with the most significant spiritual lifestyle which is attainable only through Christian community, (4) offer significant worship to God by reflecting his own character back to him through your behavior, and (5) bring God’s kingdom to earth as asked for in the Lord’s Prayer. And for heaven, such growing obedience to Scripture now will later (6) qualify you for a more responsible place of service as reward in heaven, and, (7) most important of all, give you greater empathy with God for a closer relationship with Him for all of eternity.